Head Start
| 
| 
Head Start is a federally funded program providing comprehensive early educational assistance for preschool children, age’s three to five, and their families.
Call Pickaway County Head Start at (740)474-7411 or (740) 983-2530
for more information!
The curriculum is aligned with the Ohio Department of Education’s Early Learning Content Standards, and through individualized planning the program helps prepare children socially and academically for kindergarten. In addition, children receive speech, hearing, vision and dental screenings and follow-up services, nutritious lunches and snacks. While enrollment is targeted primarily for children whose families have income at or below the Federal poverty level, a percentage of over-income families can enroll based on identified needs.
The Head Start program seeks to break the cycle of poverty and help families become and stay self-sufficient. Head Start recognizes that each parent is the child’s first and most important teacher and that parents are a valuable resource to the community. The program encourages parent involvement. Staff and parents work as partners to meet the needs of the child. Head Start provides family support services to assist families in seeking resources within the community to help break down barriers to self-sufficiency.
Part-Day Head Start provides preschool educational services to children three or four years of age. These children attend classes 3 ½ hours a day Monday through Thursday of each week over a nine-month operating calendar. Morning classes begin at 9:00 AM and end at 12:30 PM. Afternoon classes begin at 12:30 PM and end at 4:00 PM. Transportation is available for this program option. In addition to the Circleville and Ashville locations, Part-Day Head Start classes are provided at Westfall Elementary (PM classes only).
Shared Preschool Disability Unit
We operate two inclusion classrooms (Shared Preschool Disability Unit) at Mound Street Elementary School. Head Start children enrolled in this classroom can also be enrolled in a preschool disabilities program operated by the Circleville and County School Districts. There are 12-15 children in the inclusion classroom. Eight of these children must be children diagnosed with a disability. The school district provides a Disability Teacher and Teacher Aide for the classroom and Head Start provides a Teacher/Advocate for the classroom. Head Start works with the family’s school district to coordinate special services for children with disabilities.
Head Start Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enroll my child in Head Start?
You can download the application provided below, fill it out and mail it to the address listed on the application. Or you may call our office at (740) 474-7411 (Circleville) or (740) 983-2530 (Ashville) to request an application to be mailed to you.
How old does my child have to be to get into Head Start?
For our Head Start program, the age for enrollment is between 3 and 4 years of age. (Your child must be at least 3 years of age by August 1).
Does my child have to be potty trained?
No. Head Start does not require children to be potty trained for enrollment.
Will my child be able to apply if he/she has a special need?
Yes. We welcome children with special needs.
If the child's biological parents are not in the household, what types of documents are required to enroll him/her in the Head Start program?
Income requirements are set by the federal government and are changed each year. The best way to see if your family qualifies is to submit an application or call (740) 474-7411 and speak t the Family Services Coordinator.
I've already applied. What is next?
If you have already completed and submitted an application there is a process that is called the Application Eligibility Review which determines if your family meets the Federal Income Guidelines and eligibility for the program.
1. You will be called by the Family Services Coordinator and scheduled to complete registration. If you are unable to get to a center, we can schedule someone to come to your home to complete the registration process.
2. We will need to verify your family income and your child's birth date. To do this you will need statements of your family income for the past twelve (12) months. You can show this with pay stubs, your W-2 form, a written statement from your employer, or sign a Consent to Release letter so we may obtain this information from your employer. To verify your child's birth date we need to see a birth certificate or hospital certificate.
3. After completing this review, your child's application will be placed on the appropriate waitlist to await consideration into the program.
Where is the nearest Head Start center to my home?
We operate 13 preschool classes out of four different sites throughout Pickaway County. Visit the Center Location page under the Head Start heading for more information.
What are the hours of the Head Start program?
Classes are offered four days a week in the morning or afternoon sessions.
Can I stay in the classroom with my child?
Yes. Parents are always welcome to volunteer in their child's classroom.
When does school start and end?
Circleville and Ashville Head Start Centers begin the day after Labor Day and end around the third Thursday in May. Other sites which operate out of elementary school building may follow the school calendar.
Will I need to turn in another application if my child is on the Wait list?
No. Your child will remain on the Wait list until a vacancy occurs in that center. If you move you will need to contact the Family Services Coordinator at (740) 474-7411. If a new school year begins and your child has not entered a classroom, you will need to reapply if your child is still 3-4 years old.